CDC Guidance on Face Masks

The CDC is now recommending people wear cloth face masks when they go out in public. Here is a YouTube video from the CDC on how to make one that requires only a bandana, t-shirt, etc., and a couple of rubber bands – no sewing.

The CDC also recommends that the fabric used for the masks be prewashed in hot water to avoid later shrinkage, and that it be a tightly woven fabric.

Printable info sheets

Austin Disaster Relief Network

The Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) has begun distributing financial aid to individuals and families. The aid is intended to cover costs associated with food and gas, along with other essential items as additional funds are raised.

Greater Austin area residents interested in requesting funds can go to adrn.org/COVIDRelief for instructions on how to apply. In order to be considered to receive financial support, applicants will be required to complete an online form and provide the following documents:

A valid photo identification card, such as a driver’s license, Texas state ID, a passport or an official immigration card

A current utility or phone bill for address verification

A recent document (since March) providing proof of a reduction or loss of income due to COVID-19, such as documentation showing that unemployment has been filed for or an employer-issued termination/furlough letter

AuntBertha.com

AuntBertha.com is a free service that shows by zip code many organizations that can assist in a variety of ways, such as food, medical care, job training, and more.

Local Resources

Resources and information are available for San Marcos residents affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. We’ll post links below as they become available during this rapidly-changing situation.

Utility Customer Services

Because of the effects of the COVID-19 situation, we understand that some customers are concerned about being able to make their utility payments. Our Utility Customer Service Division is providing customer service and payment options to assist utility customers navigate these challenging times. Click here for more information.

Portable Toilets and Hand Wash Stations

Beginning April 9, portable restrooms, sink stations and hand sanitizer stations will be available at the Southside Community Center, 518 S. Guadalupe St., and in the lot adjacent to the Dog Park at 250 Charles Austin St. Each location will have one ADA-compliant portable restroom and will be sanitized daily. Click here for more information.

Senior Wellness Checks

The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department is offering wellness checks to anyone 60+ who would like to be called during the stay-at-home order.

Social distancing is important, but it could also affect the health of senior citizens by isolating them. The City is making calls to seniors to say hello and check in on them every few days if they wish to remain on the list. These wellness checks will continue through the stay-at-home order.

Emotional health is also important as now is the time to reach out through phone calls and video calls to family, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable.

If you or someone you know would like a social wellness check, call 512.393.8412 and leave the name and phone number of the person to be added to the phone list.

Mental Health Support

Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit their website for more information.

Here are some tips on how to stay stress-free during this quarantine.

Reduce anxiety with healthy actions such as:

1. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, arm, or elbow if you don’t have a tissue.

3. Disinfect any objects or surfaces that may have come into contact with germs.

Ways to feel more calm:

1. Realize that it is understandable to feel anxious and worried about what may happen, especially when many aspects of life are being affected.

2. If you find that you are getting more stressed by watching the news, reduce your exposure, particularly prior to sleep.

3. Try yoga, exercising, listening to music, or doing puzzles. Keep the mind occupied when you have free time.

Hays County Food Bank

Hays County Food Bank will be offering drive-thru pick up service. Some important reminders: please don’t attend a distribution if you are sick. The Food Bank offices are closed to the public and all nutrition classes are canceled until the end of April. Please call to schedule a donation drop-off, (512) 392-8300. Check social media and website for updates and helpful information: http://haysfoodbank.org/find-food.aspx.

Central Texas WIC

For the latest resources and information on the Central Texas WIC Program, including temporary and permanent changes to WIC-approved foods, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CentralTexasWIC

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

San Marcos CISD Free Curbside Meals

Meals are for students 18 and under. Meals will be delivered in a Grab-n-Go style system. Children must be present (in vehicle) to receive a meal. Breakfast 8-9:30 a.m. at Travis Elementary, Mendez Elementary and San Marcos High School. Lunch 11:30-1 p.m. at Travis Elementary, Mendez Elementary, San Marcos High School, Redwood Baptist Church, Allen Woods Homes (1201 Thorpe Ln.) and CM Allen Homes (820 Sturgeon).

Beginning, Monday, March 30, SMCISD will be adjusting meal distribution slightly. They will begin distributing breakfast and lunch from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the following locations: Mendez ES, Travis ES, San Marcos HS, Redwood Baptist Church, Allen Woods Home (1201 Thorpe Lane), and CM Allen Homes (820 Sturgeon). The time change to the “Grab & Go” method allows families to pick up both breakfast and lunch meals together so you only have to come one time.

Doing Business with the City Remotely

Many important tasks, such as paying utility bills, can be handled online. The City’s Utility Payment Services Department has implemented changes to its normal processes to assist customers during this time. Reed more here.

Open Restaurants

San Marcos Public Library Resource Guide

The San Marcos Public Library has created a COVID-19 Resource Guide for our community. También tenemos una guía de recursos en español. In it you can find important updates and information about health, school closures, food resources, local agencies and organizations, and volunteer opportunities.

Check out our NEW Virtual Recreation Center

It is your place for recreation, leisure, education, and resources through COVID-19. We are committed to ensuring that our community has resources to maintain healthy and meaningful lives. www.sanmarcostx.gov/virtualrec.

Free Mulch

You may have a little time for gardening these days, so why not pick up some free mulch? Free mulch is available to all San Marcos residents 24/7! The mulch consists of all the brush that is dropped off during the monthly Brush Drop-Off. If residents want a specific type or color of mulch, they will still need to purchase it from a retailer.

Mulch Pick-Up Locations:Dunbar Park (801 W MLK) by the playgroundArchie Street (off Craddock Ave) by the parking at the end of the streetDel Sol (near Parkdale Dr) at the end of the street

Census 2020

If you’re at home because of the COVID-19 situation, it could be a great time to complete the 2020 Census! If you have already received your paper copy in the mail, you can fill it out and mail back. Or if you prefer, take the Census survey on the web. More info at: https://my2020census.gov.

Your Money: A Hub for Help during the Coronavirus Crisis (from NY Times)

United Way of Hays and Caldwell Counties

United Way of Hays and Caldwell Counties has reinstated their disaster relief fund to assist those affected by the COVID-19 virus, particularly economically, in Hays and Caldwell counties. They are working with their partners to distribute these funds directly to those in need throughout Hays and Caldwell Counties in the coming days, weeks and months. There is not currently a process for the public to apply for these funds. United Way asks that members of the public be patient as they raise the critical dollars to assist as many of our community members as they can.

If you would like to help your neighbors in need, please visit https://www.unitedwayhaysco.org/covid-19-response and follow the link to donate. Donations can also be made by simply texting UWHAYS DISASTER to 313131 and following the instructions in the reply text. Those wishing to donate by check can do so by sending your donation to UWHC, PO BOX 1728, San Marcos, TX 78667. Please be sure to write “Disaster Relief Fund” on your check to ensure that your donation goes directly to those in need.